Heaven on Earth

I've become a little less frugal in my old age. Actually, it is the little people in my life who have changed my frugal ways! I am still cheap, but I splurge when I really want something. I've been eyeing these slings since before Sophia was born. I wish I had reacted earlier because I think I just got a feel of what heaven must be like! The ability to hold snug and cuddle my smallest joy all of the time!

I thought I'd never be able to snuggle my younger children like I did Annabelle. While exploring CVS this evening to burn some Extra Care Bucks, I held my sleeping Sophia nestled next to me in the cradle position. I cuddled and rubbed her sweet body as she slept.

Folks, this is baby wearing at its best! 8 different positions! [There is even a position for carrying twins]. All cotton! No buttons, loops or fasteners! You can even nurse your child in this baby carrier!

I knew it was a must when a lady I met at the children's museum this weekend recommended it. She was obviously very big into attachment parenting (and baby wearing as a result) as she had 7 different baby carriers at home. She was a bit on the extreme end of attachment parenting, so I knew she had done her research. And if you know me, you know some of my parenting tactics are those recommended by Dr. Sears. Of course, the co-sleeping is not really my thing. You wouldn't know that though because Sophia is still sleeping in our bedroom at night! Annabelle was ousted at 2.5 months old.

Bring on the babies while I'm still young! Now I'm thinking 6 may be an ideal number. Hubby, are you cringing yet? Do you believe me yet?

Just Forget It

Annabelle spilled her Sprite from lunch in her car seat today. After taking a short potty break, I told her to get back into her car seat. Her bottom was bare since her panties were soaked.

Annabelle: I need a napkin!

Mommy: What do you need a napkin for?

Annabelle: Because I spilled Sprite in my car seat.

Mommy: Annabelle, I just used a napkin to dry it up.

Annabelle: But it's still wet!

Mommy: Fine.

[Pause]

Mommy: Here you go.

[Annabelle takes the napkin.]

Annabelle: Just forget it! [as she promptly throws the napkin onto the floorboard of the car]

[Insert chuckles from Grandmama and me]


Hmm...who does that sound like? It sounds a lot like something Grandmama would say if you ask me! But, it was quite hilarious coming from a three year, almost four year old!

Giggles

Sorry for the lack of posting, but we've been on a much needed family vacation since Tuesday. Sophia has changed so much in a short week. Following are some updates.

1. She's going 12 hours between feedings! Of course, it is 10:12 p.m. on Sunday, and she last ate at 4:30 p.m., so I suspect tonight will not be too restful.

2. She started reaching out to touch our faces this week.

3. She said "Mama!" Yes she did! She also said "ba-ba." Not that I will record "Mama" down as her first word because I know she has no clue what she really said, but I guess she is officially moving from cooing to babbling. I don't remember Annabelle babbling this early. I'm afraid we may have an early talker on our hands! I'll never be able to speak again around these two motor mouths.

4. She sucks on her fingers and fists all of the time! She is now drooling and if I don't keep her mouth wiped, her poor little chin breaks out. She woke up from a nice nap in the car this evening and got really fussy with that "I'm hurting Mommy" cry. It wasn't the piercing, painful cry though. I think we will see some teeth before long.

5. She has started smiling at Annabelle because Annabelle is, well, she's Annabelle! She especially thought that both Annabelle and I were funny with our faces painted on Wednesday. More on that later!

6. And her giggles are truly real giggles now. They will make your heart smile! This video was taken on Wednesday when we visited the children's museum in Chattanooga. Pardon the extreme closeup, but I was videoing her while she was attached to me in the Baby Bjorn.



P.S. Do I really sound like that?

Baby Doll

Need I say more? This was the same dress that my Grandmother gave me and I wore when I was a baby. Annabelle wore the same dress for her 3 month picture. Of course, Sophia's "3 month" pictures weren't taken until 4 months, but it'll do!

Cuteness

Who can resist a little Sophia cuteness?


In the above picture, Sophia was snug as a bug in her car seat which was attached to her stroller when we visited Fernbank on Saturday for a Dino Birthday Bash. And for the record, I do not swaddle her when we are in the car driving. But, in order to get this child to sleep, she must always be swaddled! Do you see her left hand pushing through? Her naps are getting shorter for obvious reasons! Bummer, bummer, bummer! But, fortunately, her nights are getting longer. 10.5 hours for the first time on the night of her 4 month birthday (August 16th)!!! That was a huge step as her nighttime wakings varied nightly and ranged from every 3 hours to 6 hours to 8 hours on a rare occasion.

And she realized that her feet are actually attached! Last week she started holding her feet. I went to the back seat of our vehicle yesterday to grab a camera to take a picture of a beautiful rainbow, and I found that little stinker sucking her biggest toe! Of course, whenever she spots a camera of any sort (digital or video), she stops what she's doing. So, I got the picture with her foot in mid air.

I love, love, love this age! I forgot how much I loved this age with Annabelle. Too bad it goes ten times faster with the second child! She's going to be crawling before I know it! Slow down Sophia! Please don't grow up so fast! I may have to cry if you are truly forever my baby. I keep telling myself there will be more after you (God willing) so that I rejoice with each milestone instead of cry that my baby is growing up. And, now that Annabelle and Sophia have each other as sisters, I don't think I'd mind too much having a mama's boy!

Dino Birthday Bash

And this is how every princess should dress for a dinosaur's birthday party at Fernbank.

I LOVE being "that" mom. You know, the only one at Fernbank who let her child step foot out of the house wearing a smocked dress with Hello Kitty rain boots attired with Mardi Gras beads and a princess tiara. There was one other little boy wearing his rain boots, but they matched his shirt accordingly.

Poor hubby! I think he'd rather duck and hide under a table than to be seen with us on some days.

She's just exerting her independence! Not to mention, she dresses herself so much faster when I allow her to choose the attire for the day.

No Fear!